Jun 29, 2009

Last week my daughter attended my summer camp. She wasn't able to finish "all" her projects so I told her we would make a few sewing dates over the summer where only her and I would sew. We had our first date spending 4 hours at the sewing center today.

She finished making her grandmother's birthday present. She made pillows that spelled out Nana (except her N's ended up looking like H's). We also cut out her next project, a halter top. Picked out 2 more patterns to go with the fabric she bought. I worked on my scrap fabric top - not liking so much the way it's coming out. I have ideas though. I was given tons of cut out from a designer. It's a bunch of smaller pieces I spliced together.

We had a lot of fun. I think she likes playing her music over my laptop and dancing more than she likes sewing :) dance is in her blood like sewing's in mine.

Sewing all day with my daughter, going back for evening classes and still I want to sit at the machine and sew more. I'm thinking about buying a machine to have at home. All my supplies and machines are at the sewing center. I have to drive about a mile away to get to them :)

I'm only doing evening classes this week to spend some time with little one making some mother daughter memories for the summer. They grow up so fast...

And if you can believe it this Saturday is July 4th. I'll be taking a 4 day weekend and can't wait to just play and make many smiles with both my children.

This is a weekly series where I share sewing news I receive with you. Enjoy your reading...

About People:

Local youngsters participate in “CampWanna Sew”Borger News-HeraldMon, 22 Jun 200912:09 PM PDTTexas AgriLIFE Extension and FrankPhillipsCollege teamed up last week (June 16-18) to offer a beginning sewing camp, Camp Wanna Sew. Seven youth took advantage of this opportunity to gain a new skill, make new friends, and have fun.

Museum exhibit captures history of suit makerThe Eagle-TribuneTue, 23 Jun 2009LAWRENCE â Photographs of people sketching, cutting material and stitching hang on the walls. A sewing machine with grey thread is at one corner not far from an ironing board and a pressing machine.

Local quiltmaker turns passion into hobby's top prizeMidland Reporter-TelegramWed, 24 Jun 2009Pointing toward the pieces of sponge she added to her seascape quilt for realism and then to the ribbon and intricate teal stitching she added to each square of her latest crazy quilt, Dean Deerfield shrugged a bit and said, for her, sewing has become about as natural as breathing.

Camp encourages creativityMartinsville BulletinThu, 25 Jun 2009 03:14 AM PDTJoshua Penn found out during the Martinsville schools’ Enrichment Academy last week that he enjoys sewing. He took a class called “The Art, Math and History of Quilting” which taught students the history of quilt-making and various methods of making quilts.

Sewing fever hits two students at St. Patrick School in ChathamIndependent PressThu, 25 Jun 2009 07:03 AM PDTPhoto courtesy of Julie MoranDESIGNERS - Wearing the dresses they designed and created while taking a sewing class this winter are, at left Cara Benevenia of New Providence and Eileen Moran of Chatham, in pink. The St.PatrickSchool students...

Window Shopping: Heavens to BetsyColumbus AliveWed, 24 Jun 2009 21:30 PM PDTClintonville's knack for the crafty seems to be contagious. The handmade, DIY vibe coming from shops like Wholly Craft and Sew to Speak has spread to a little section of East Arcadia, where Heavens to Betsy recently opened.

Designer transformed hobby into businessSan Francisco ChronicleFri, 26 Jun 2009Georgina Rice never imagined that a hobby she picked up at age 6 would someday lead to her own design firm. Twenty-two years ago, soon after she launched a sewing business out of a small studio in the Richmond District of San Francisco, referrals from nearby...

Arts Union festival “Sew What?” will leave you in stitchesSomerville JournalWed, 24 Jun 2009 07:58 AM PDTIf you have been pining for a new wardrobe but just cannot afford to go shopping in the recession, Sew What? Head to ArtsUnion's Swap-O-Rama at Union Square from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 27 (rain date Sunday June 28), take your pick of clothes and even modify them on the sewing machines provided.

Learn to sew at North Plainfield's FabriclandThe Somerset ReporterWed, 24 Jun 2009COURTESY FABRICLANDDuring the months of July and August, Fabricland of North Plainfield, 855 Route 22 at Wilson Avenue, is offering its weekly four-day Sewing Summer Camp for Kids Program for children ages 9 through 17. NORTH PLAINFIELD -- Fabricland of...

Style calendarBoston HeraldWed, 24 Jun 2009SEW-PHISTICATED: Fusion Ethos Fashions is teaming up with the Somerville Arts Council for Sew What, a DIY style swap this weekend in Union Square, Somerville....

'Dress doctor' offers local sewing classLa Crosse TribuneSat, 27 Jun 200921:42 PM PDTIrina Christel knows something you probably don’t. She knows how to sew on a button. “When I moved to the United States, I saw maybe the grandmas knew how to sew, and that was about it,” she said.

“How To” and Products:

Hand Sewing Paper - How ToBellaOnlineThu, 25 Jun 2009Grab a needle, paper piercer and some floss and add some great texture to your scrapbook pages and cards.

Making yoga mat bag isn't a stretchThe Indianapolis StarFri, 26 Jun 2009OK, here is a sewing project that maybe only seamstresses and female crafters will read. However, there could possibly be some brave, "I've come to grips with my inner crafter" dudes who would design and sew their own yoga mat bag. Lots of men do yoga; boyfriends, brothers, fathers, sons, so cut out this article and hand it over to the flexible fellow in your life. If he doesn't want to ...

A Different Kind of Sewing News

The weapon Britain hoped would defeat the Nazis...IndependentThu, 25 Jun 2009Tipped with a sewing machine needle and finished with a tail made from a drinking straw, they looked more like a schoolboy's toy than a terrifying weapon. For Britain's wartime scientists, however, these tiny projectiles were the sharp end of a chilling project to secure victory over the Nazis by bombarding German troops with poisoned darts.

Jun 26, 2009

The first week of camp ended yesterday. The second week of camp will start July 13.

Here are what the girls made during week 1. The two girls who were making dresses didn't get to install their zippers and will be returning to a sewing class to finish their projects. There were other projects made - these are the ones that got pictures taken

I'll be spending time with my kids the next couple of weeks and only having adult classes in the evening. My daughter and I have a sewing date planned for Monday so she can finish her camp projects.

Jun 24, 2009

I'm learning how to use my daughters camera so I can take video's of classes to post them here. She's the one talking to me in the video.

Another short video.

I'll be posting more videos of classes (If I can remember to put the camera in my hands - always the problem)and a few pictures from today taken by my lovely daughter because I told her I had no pictures of me teaching any classes.

Oh and did I tell you I'm still doing adult classes in the evening after 3 hours of camp and a little dinner. I had 4 people attend tonight's class.....and still I can't get enough of sewing. Hopefully I'll have time to sew something for myself next week. Sewing and creating things is good for the soul.

Jun 23, 2009

Yesterday started the first day of the first week of summer camp. Let the sewing begin.

This week I have 2 students who have taken my classes before. I can take them to a higher level of sewing. The other 3 had to learn how to use the sewing machine while they sewed their first projects. They range from 9 to 14 years. Three of them own their own sewing machine (lucky girls) and bring them to camp so they can learn how to use their machine. I really try to encourage them to sew at home.

I really love teaching kids even if they do suck the life out of me :) I'm so tired after the 3 hour sessions. The first couple of days I pin everything so they can see how the right way to do it. Some kids can pin things good - others need more help. And if you know how to sew you know how you pin things is the way it's going to look when you sew. (did that make sense, dang I'm tired) Again depending on the kids I iron everything for them because I don't want anyone getting burned on the iron. I also serge everything for them. You can imagine how fast I move around the room. This is why I only teach 5 kids at a time. I do love teaching them the art at such a young age because I know what their future will bring with the knowledge they absorb this week.

Teaching kids is much different than teaching adults. When adults need help they will sit and wait for you to come to them. Not kids, they surround you where ever you may be at the time. I have to tell them as they come to me - your next. I usually keep my eye on everyone in the room. I've been teaching for 3 years and getting better at knowing what everyone's doing. It's hard to do that when kids are all around you. I'm sure by the last week of sewing I'll have this down better. But, teaching kids and teaching adults sure is different and so are the conversations. It's fun to be around kids. Lots of giggles.

Just like the adult classes I let the kids sew what they want. I give them a suggested project list with supplies needed to bring to class. Sometimes they can make a couple of projects in one 3 hour session. So far they've made one pillow, 2 tote bag, 2 pants, 2 shorts, 1 skirt, 1 blanket. We have a couple of dresses cut out the the older girls are working on using patterns. This will probably take them the rest of the week to finish sewing.

Some of the kids are driving over an hour to attend sewing camp. I have to say thank you to their parents for taking the time or should I say giving the time to their daughters so they can attend sewing camp. Not very many parents would do this for their children.

Hopefully I can take some pictures of finished projects in the next couple of days. My daughter is attending this week too. I'll have to have her remind me to take pictures...or..have her take some pictures.

Jun 22, 2009

This is a weekly series where I share sewing news I receive with you. Enjoy your reading...

About People:

Sew cool: World's largest denimsThe Natal Witness Group Sun, 14 Jun 2009ZAGREB (Croatia) â A pair of jeans the size of six tennis courts, stitched together from 8 023 denims donated for charity, should be recognised by Guinness World Records as the biggest anywhere, organizers said yesterday.

Got fabric? Need to sew? Charity Sharity to the rescueSuburban Journals Tue, 16 Jun 2009What started as a reunion for co-workers of a fabric store 10 years ago has threaded its way around the world, onto laps and into hearts of projects as friends have pieced together Charity Sharity.

Students offer 'Beauty, Beast'The Fairmont Sentinel Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:06TRUMAN - On June 1, 43 students came to Truman Elementary School eager to spend six hours per day over the next two weeks working hard - building, painting, sewing and singing. The children, fourth- through ninth-graders, are participating in Stage Master's theatre camp, a time-honored tradition in Truman that has become known around the area.

Local fashion designer gets Swiss noticeChambersburgPublic OpinionTue, 16 Jun 2009Bob Martin's plan was to start small but think big. Now the local fashion designer has partnered and contracted with Bernina, a Swiss sewing machine manufacturer, to be a featured designer on its newly revamped Web site.

The Hidden Side of Fashion, a Mission Sewing FactorySFistWed, 17 Jun 2009 Lisa Katayama SF Indie Fashion posted a compelling story that originally appeared in Action Orange yesterday, in which blogger Lisa Katayama visited a recently abandoned sewing factory located in the Mission. Katayama's friend Jenny spent much of her childhood playing in the factory, while her mother worked among a dozen or so other Chinese women making stacks of dresses for Macy’s at a wage of .

Trina Turk opens on the avenueSan Mateo Daily JournalFri, 19 Jun 2009Trina Turk grew up with a creative mother. She was always making things. As a result, Turk learned to sew fairly young and began using whatever fabric she could get her hands on to create clothes.

Making the Stay 'Bear'-ableThe Clay County Advocate-Press Sat, 20 Jun 2009A trip to the emergency room or hospital can be traumatizing for anyone, let alone a child. At the ClayCountyHospital, the Dietary Department came up with an idea to help make that trip a little more friendly. âThis was something that my staff came up with,â said Sherry Gibbs, âWeâve got a couple ladies that love to sew- They had come up with this idea of buying small bears. What they have ...

Economy Related:

700 sewing machines stolen in weekend theftWKRN NashvilleMon, 15 Jun 2009Metro police and the FBI investigate the weekend theft of more than $400,000 worth of sewing machines from the same lot in which a trailer full of whiskey was stolen in March.

Jun 19, 2009

This has been a crazy week. Actually it's been a crazy couple of weeks. My classes have been full of which I'm thankful. This week made things a little crazy because as soon as we went into the 90 degrees weather the AC broke in the building. I can't tell you how hot it's been at the sewing center. Today they have it back up and running, thankfully because I'm getting older and when you get hot...it's hard to cool off.

So, little one had her dance recital last Saturday. She was in 8 dances which means 8 costumes. She loved the night. There's nothing like watching your child shine. She is still doing her 3 days a week practices.

So, last night while I was teaching a class my mother (Nana) took little one to pick up her dance pictures. Crazy Nana bought all the photo's. Some of the poses are the same but she had to buy them anyway.

The mini competition team - they won first place in all competitions they entered beating out the Jr's in one competitionThe mini ballet - they don't compete. She doesn't like taking ballet but has to because she is on competition. She is so graceful..I love watching them dance ballet.The full competition team - Seniors, Jr. and mini's

And now the STAR

She is growing into one beautiful girl - it's hard to believe my baby is 9 yrs old.

I hope you looking at the pictures as much as I like sharing them with you. And heck, Nana spent so much money on the pictures I just have to share them with everyone. Next post will be about sewing..this one is all about me bragging about my DD.

Next week starts summer camp. This is always fun and I usually take tons of pictures.

Jun 15, 2009

This is a weekly series where I share sewing news I receive with you. Enjoy your reading...

About People:

Alaska seamstress creates rare bird skin parkaFairbanks Daily News-MinerSun, 07 Jun 2009 ANCHORAGE - Lydia Apatiki took a journey back through time, riding her sewing needles and the skins of 100 small seabirds to get a taste of life before zippers and Gor-Tex.

Quilts warm up kids to math, artDenton Record-ChronicleSun, 07 Jun 2009A semester-long quilting project at Calhoun Middle School taught a group of eighth-graders more than just sewing - it weaved in lessons on critical thinking, problem solving and life skills. About 60 students participated in the project, which instructors and volunteers say incorporated mathematics, art and social skills. Calhoun math teacher Frances Dornan, who led the effort, said she wanted ...

Stitches and stuff: How much time to you have?The Daily News Mon, 08 Jun 2009Melisse LaingFor The Daily News All of us have 24 hours every day. But this time is fractured â work, sleep, family, errands, household and garden chores, to name a few. The time we have left our art â sewing, quilting, painting, crafting, etc. â is often minimal. In an article in the April/May 2009 edition of Quilting Arts Magazine,â author Jane Davila focuses on this problem with some good ...

Co-op senior doing business as A.R.M. Bags for profit, gradeThe Nashua TelegraphMon, 08 Jun 2009WILTON â Wilton-LyndeboroughCooperativeHigh School senior Ashley Makela likes to sew. She even made a few handbags for friends. Then School to Careers coordinator Jane Fluhr suggested she undertake an independent study and create her own business with the help of business teacher Linda Cordileone. ... - By JESSIE SALISBURY Correspondent

It”s inevitable. Whenever anyone thinks of Flag Day, the first image that pops into theircomes to mind is Betsy Ross, looking demure in her little white cap and sewing those white stars onto the blue field of the flag. For the last four years, Iâve been writing a history of ...

Inmates Sewing Symbol Of FreedomNPRSun, 14 Jun 2009Several states have passed laws mandating that any flags flown at government buildings must be made in the United States. Maryland not only uses domestically-produced flags, it also makes them in their state. In their state prisons, that is.

Sewing businesses finding niche in midst of recession | By Shelley Widhalm Loveland Reporter-HeraldLoveland Reporter-HeraldMon, 15 Jun 2009Instead of a seam ripper, Bonnie McLeod uses a razor blade to rip out the outer seam from her old red jeans. She plans to add a strip of material down the leg to jazz them up into an original. McLeod, a seamstress by trade, trims, cuts and tucks old clothes into a better fit at the RipClubSewingCenter, which she opened last month at 2238 W. First St. in Loveland.

Giving Back:

Cancer sew-a-thon to be held June 20Cape Coral Daily Breeze Mon, 08 Jun 2009The owners of Quilt Lovers' Hangout are inviting community members to help a great cause Wednesday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. "It's the ConKerr Cancer event called A Case For Smiles.

To help the needy, it's quilt by associationNews Chief Mon, 15 Jun 2009Published: Monday, June 15, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. Last Modified: Monday, June 15, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. Give them some material, thread, a project and stand back: A few local women with some serious sewing skills have banded together to create items for people in need whom they've never met.

Products:

THIS IS A GREAT ARTICLE

Sewing Machine Needle TypesBellaOnline Wed, 10 Jun 2009There are many types of needles available for your sewing machine. Learn what they are used for.

Doctors sew ear on to man's stomachIndependent Thu, 11 Jun 2009A man who had one of his ears cut off when he was attacked in a park described yesterday how doctors stitched it to his stomach in an attempt to save it.

Sewing Teacher

Classes Offered at Learn 2 Sew

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